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GREENSBORO — As Hurricane Irene approaches the North Carolina coast the storm not only threatens homes and businesses, but communication system as well.

While first responders rely heavily on cell phones and the internet, they have a back up plan in the form of Ham radio operators. Thousands of them throughout the Tar Heel state are now on standby, ready to go to the coast to assist. The operators are able to relay lifesaving information to first responders.

"We can form a network and let authorities know where emergency services might be needed when other forms of communication aren't working,” said Todd Smith with the Greensboro Amateur Radio Association.

"We try to have them in each Red Cross shelter,” said Red Cross public support director Melanie McDonough. “Because as we all know, when the storm starts to go inland and communication resources go down, we would be able to use that."

For more information on Ham radios, you can visit the ARRL website or the Greensboro Amateur Radio Association's website.